Painting the outside of your house is a big job and one you probably don’t want to undertake yourself. But a new coat of paint can add value to your home so it’s worth the investment. And avoiding some tempting shortcuts can ensure you a paint job that lasts 10 years or longer. Here’s some tips from the paint pros at Consumer Reports.

We love the innovative, outdoor vibe of this unusual “inside out” house designed by Brazil’s Terra e Tuma Arquitetos Associados. Maracana House located in Sao Paolo’s urban jungle puts what are typically considered to be exterior elements indoors, like exposed brick walls and a balcony overhead. The main living area is a two-storey space featuring an open layout and enclosed in this light colored brick, overlooked by a curious loft area with a casual, industrial appeal. The upper tier and the staircase leading up to it … (read more)